Any opinions on the Audio-Technica OC9ML II?

How quiet it runs in the groove is quite important to me - I've got a lot of used records in less than perfect shape. Inner groove distortion is a big no-no in my camp too. The Exact I'm running now displays no inner-groove distortion but isn't the quietest on some used records.

My musical preference is primarily classic rock - so dynamics are a big deal to me. If it's any indication - I actually like the Rega Exact MM (quite a bit too...) and the Goldring 1042 if that gives you an idea of where I'm coming from.

I've considered the Denon carts - but the AT is higher output at .4mv and tracks at a lower VTF. Everything I've read is that the sound from either is great - so the OC9 sounds like the winner to me.

Any comments with regard to noise, dynamics, and inner-groove distortion (tracking) and the OC9 would be great!

I'm not sure that I do need a spacer Jphii - I just thought that I might in order to get VTA correct. I've got some 2mm spacers coming from Red Trumpet though so I'll have them if need be.

I picked up an OC9ML/II and really like it.

I'm wondering if the highs will pull back a little after break-in? They're not harsh - but a bit hot and bright. I'm hoping that the highs will smooth out and the mids will come forward a little after it's broken in.

Any thoughts from other users?

Well, Audio Technica's house sound is bright, no doubt about it. But I have heard it sounding very musical on an air-bearing turntable with an arm with high lateral mass. So I suggest you try the Twl mod (you should find it on this forum somewhere) to add lateral mass (and don't skimp) to your tonearm which should (hopefully) re-balance the sound.

I loved my oc9 in my systemdeck with hadcock arm. This was so good I completely forgot about trying to improve the sound, I was completly happy.

I used the OC9 cartridge form 85 to 93 when I got my glider, but I really missed the oc9, it was very quite in the grove.

Many say at this price point the Dennon 103r is the best, and a rega arm is a good match.


For the twl mod just lookup twl and email him.

I have the mod on my Origin Live Silver and it is killer.
You can go to the thread.

Strange tonearm tweak long.

here is a clickable link

http://forum.audiogon.com/cgi-bin/fr.pl?eanlg&1032024188&openusid&zzTwl&4&5#Twl

Peace

Ron